MANCHESTER United will pay an emotional tribute tonight to George Best with a minute's silence at Old Trafford.

Last weekend the Red legend was honoured before United's match at Upton Park against West Ham with a 60-second applause tribute.

It followed on from spontaneous outbursts of clapping to remember the 59-year-old at matches throughout the country on Saturday.

They were gestures that reflected the entertainment the Irishman gave the game in his United career.

But the club have decided a moment's reflection tonight before the West Brom Carling Cup tie is more appropriate for a grieving Old Trafford on the first match in the stadium since Best passed away.

However, on Saturday - the day of Best's funeral in Belfast - United play Portsmouth at 5.15pm and the club will have a minute's applause tribute that evening.

Tonight the strains of the Best tribute song "The Belfast Boy" will echo around Old Trafford when the two sides take the field.

Best's son Calum will be at the match and honouring his father.

Opponents

The surviving members of George's team-mates from the 1968 European Cup winning triumph will line up on the pitch for the silence.

It is 42 years since Best made his debut for United on September 14, 1963, as a 17-year-old ironically against tonight's opponents.

United have invited former Albion full-back Graham Williams, the first player to mark George in the professional game, to represent the Midlands club.

The masses of scarves, posters and floral tributes that have spread across the pavement on Sir Matt Busby Way will remain until Sunday evening.

The club have yet to decide what to do with the shrine.

The Reds hierarchy have yet to decided about a permanent tribute to Best and won't be rushing into the decision.

The book of condolence will be moved to the United development building on Sir Matt Busby Way and will be open and available to sign until Sunday evening.

Despite United's tea-time kick off on Saturday against Portsmouth, Sir Alex Ferguson will attend Best's morning funeral at Stormont in Northern Ireland and return to Old Trafford later in the afternoon for the match.